Montana Free Fishing Weekend 2026: No License Required on June 20-21

My son was barely old enough to hold a rod, and he was already hooked.

I still have a photo of him, maybe three years old, standing in his little rubber boots at the edge of a lake, my husband crouched behind him, his hands over his tiny hands on the rod. Neither of them is looking at the camera. They're both staring at the water, completely locked in, like whatever was in that lake was the most important thing in the world. To them, in that moment, it was.

That's what fishing does. And this June 20th and 21st, Montana is giving every family in the state a completely free invitation to find out for themselves. No fishing license required. Not for residents, not for visitors, not for anyone. You just show up at the water and fish.

What Are Montana Free Fishing Days? (And Who Can Fish for Free)

Every year, Montana law designates two weekends as license-free fishing: Mother's Day and Father's Day. That means any person, resident or nonresident, can fish for virtually any species in the state without buying a fishing license. The idea behind it is simple. Fishing can feel like a hobby with a lot of upfront hoops to jump through, and free fishing days exist to take those hoops away and just let people try it.

Montana Fishing Regulations: Knowing the Rules Before You Go

Here's the one thing worth knowing before you head out: free fishing days waive the license requirement, but they do not waive Montana's fishing regulations. Seasons, bag limits, and any special restrictions that apply to specific bodies of water or species are still fully in effect. You still need to follow the rules, you just don't need to pay for the license to do it.

The easiest thing to do is grab a copy of Montana's current fishing regulations before the weekend. You can pick one up at any sporting goods store or download it at fwp.mt.gov. It takes about five minutes to scan the relevant section, and it means you head out knowing exactly what you're working with.

You Still Need a License for Bull Trout and Paddlefish

There are also two species that are completely outside the free fishing day exemption, regardless of the weekend. Bull trout fishing requires a Conservation, Fishing, and AIS Prevention License plus a catch card year-round, and that doesn't change on free fishing days.

Paddlefish fishing requires the same Conservation License plus a paddlefish tag. If you're planning to go after either of those, you'll need to get those permits in advance. For most families taking kids out for trout, bass, or walleye, though, you're completely covered.

Beginner Fishing Gear: How to Start for Under $30

Traci Taylor

If you've never fished before or you're taking little kids, the gear question can feel overwhelming. It shouldn't. A basic spinning rod and reel combo, a small tackle box with some hooks and split shot sinkers, and a container of worms will absolutely catch fish. The whole setup can cost less than thirty dollars.

Keep it simple, especially with kids. Bring snacks. Bring something to sit on. Let them touch the worms even when it's dramatic. Give them something to do while they wait, because waiting is actually a big part of fishing, and that is a skill all on its own. My husband always says the best thing about fishing with our son isn't the fish, it's the conversation that happens while they’re waiting for one. There's something about standing next to water with nothing to do but wait that makes people actually talk to each other.

Places to Fish in Montana for Families and Beginners

Montana is not short on water. The Yellowstone River, the Clark Fork, Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Flathead Lake: the options are limitless. State fishing access sites are scattered along most major rivers, and they're free to use. Your local Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks office can point you toward spots that tend to fish well and are easy to access with kids.

How to Find Secret Local Fishing Spots

If you're not sure where to start, walk into any local fly shop or sporting goods store and just ask. Montana anglers are famously generous with information. Tell them you're taking kids out for the free fishing weekend and want somewhere easy, and I can almost guarantee you'll leave with three specific spots and some advice you didn't even ask for. That's just how it works around here.

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Passing Down Montana Fishing Traditions

My son isn't a toddler anymore, but he and his dad still find their way to the water together every chance they get. The boots are bigger now. The rod is real. But the look on both their faces when something tugs the line is exactly the same as it was in that photo.

June 20th and 21st, go find your water.